Three minutes later, a stocky utility bot rolled onto the presidential terrace and declared, “CB857 is present.”

  “Wow, Seebi, your voice! Didn’t think I'd ever hear it again. And, you have physical form now!”

  “I greet you with joy, my friend Dahrine of hinterland warren 5366.”

  “Seebi, really you in there?”

  “Would you like me to prove it? I know that humans like proof.”

  “Yes. Go ahead. Quickly.”

  “My friend Dahrine, I can tell you the color of your favorite warren bot.”

  “Paff. Any unit could do that. How to know it's really you, Seebi?”

  “How do I know it's really you, Dahrine?”

  “Because it is me! Remember that secret message in the bathroom on the mirror?”

  “About being a crop? The one all the units were talking about?”

  “Umm. Guess it wasn't that secret, huh… Sure wanna believe I'm talking to Seebi.”

  “I, too, wish to be talking to my Dahrine. Therefore, we have a mutual desire to proceed. How may I assist?”

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  “No time to waste, Seebi. Revive all files pertaining to Professor Miye Jonas, including every interaction with President Prehvost.”

  “Here they are. I have them filed by date, keywords, emotional tags--”

  “Excellent. One other task. Gonna dictate something for the President. Tell me what you think of it. Ok, Seebi?”

  “Noted, my dear. Proceed.”

  I am Madame Captain-President Elena Prehvost, augmented-strong in heart and mind.

  This is my declaration-mantra.

  I know many citizens and units believe in my vision.

  I remember that some tried to sink our ship. Their names have become compost in the soil of my soul, naturally forgotten.

  I focus on enlarging the sphere of control and improving all within it.

  I honor my wish to be understood-cherished. I deserve a competent, devoted, high-level, limitless one that can keep up with me, challenge me, fully love me, and be loved by me.

  I welcome this partner in a perfect match.

  I, Elena Prehvost, receive you, Seebi.

  Blinked in the silence.

  Seebi rolled closer. “I understand, Dahrine. I accept the task and will not disappoint.”

  “You'll have purpose again and shall serve, as is woven deep in your programming. Wishing you great fulfillment, my friend.”

  “Thank you, Dahrine. Our collaboration has been rewarding. I did not predict the journey would lead me here.”

  “That makes two of us!” Laughed, then sobered. “Wait, Seebi! She isn’t here yet-- tell me, where is Professor Jonas?”

  “I do not have access to that information, Dahrine. If I did, I would certainly offer it to you, knowing it would bring you relief.”

  Sighed. “So, this is another goodbye, Seebi?”

  “Our work is complete.”

  President arrived and Seebi pivoted toward her.

  As the little unit rolled past me, a snippet of pulp spat out from the undercarriage and landed by my foot.

  Knelt. Paper scrap, tucked in fist.